her status as an “apostle,” in the years after Jesus’ death, rivalled even

that of Peter, one of Jesus’ closest buddies.

Holmwood is fortunate to have such a large and beautiful church on its

doorstep and we should be proud of having MM as our namesake. Beare

Green has no such oasis sadly and even though the church building

belongs to all three villages in our parish, it doesn’t feel like that to the

residents of Mid Holmwood or Beare Green. And even Holmwood has

ceased to “see” it I suspect. We will be offering guided tours of the church

and an opportunity to go up the tower to take pics as part of the

celebration weekend. Serendipity are here too on the Sat evening.

A new UK film about MM was released on 16th March this year

starring Rooney Mara. The Guardian gave it 2/5, the Telegraph 3/5. The

Independent described it as, “a depiction of one of "the most

misunderstood spiritual figures in history."

I haven’t seen it but I must admit I struggle with most films depicting

Jesus. It’s like reading the book then watching the film – someone else

incarcerates your mental vision or set of impressions into a single portrayal and it usually doesn’t match. Huge licence is taken with the story and I struggle with that too. I have to admit that the trailer doesn’t make me want to rush out and do the MM experience. But that’s me. At least films make it possible to recognise that Jesus isn’t a cardboard cut out or “pale Galilean” (Swinburne) but someone who has a tone of voice,

facial expressions, a cracking sense of humour and a deeply compassionate

heart.

It’s easier, I guess when you see your hero in action, interviewed on the TV, or described (with pics) in your ‘fave’ magazine, Wimbledon champs, the lads on the football field, the Royals.

Our hero of 2000 years ago (JC not MM) even though alive, isn’t visible in

the same way is he? All the more amazing then, that so many across

the world have claimed to know Jesus personally . It’s a claim that doesn’t

seem to be anchored in any one culture or century or temperament.

For me, it’s all about believing the witness of guys who were with Jesus

and who wrote about him. In a letter, John, Jesus’ best friend, wrote this:

“We want to tell you about the Word that gives life -­‐ the one who existed

before the world began. This is the one we have heard and have seen

with our own eyes. We saw what he did, and our hands touched him... We

saw him, and so we can tell others about him... He is the eternal life that

was with God the Father and was shown to us. We are telling you about

what we have seen and heard because we want you to know too.”

It’s hard to argue with quite such a reliable witness.

Love from the very visible

Revd BSA

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